Dorchester has prepared a warm welcome for those returning to the High Street. Shoppers will enjoy a colourful display of overhead banners throughout South Street, reminding them to observe social distancing and pointing out some of the other places to shop in Dorchester.
Steve Farnham, President of Dorchester Chamber for Business said: “It has been great to work with Dorchester Town Council, the Dorchester BID and Dorset Council on this project. It is wonderful to see what can happen when all local organisations work together. It is pleasing to see people returning to our high streets and the banners give a real festival feel. It is important that customers have the confidence that they can shop safely and that is certainly the case in Dorchester. Shop Local, Shop Safe, Shop Dorch!”
The risk of Covid-19 is going down and social distancing is being relaxed. As the cafes, restaurants, pubs and hairdressers reopen, there is much cause for celebration and the signage, flags, bunting and flower baskets have really brightened up the town. Neil Strudwick, Chairman of Dorchester BID said: “The banners in South Street add a real sense of welcome and recovery and help to build momentum for revitalising our town.”
The Love Dorch campaign is run by `Team Dorch’, made up of Dorchester’s Town Council, BID and Chamber for Business, working alongside Dorset Council. The group have joined forces to promote Dorchester and regenerate the High Street and Dorchester businesses following the coronavirus crisis. A spokesperson for the team said: “These are tough times but when you spend with local retailers, the money stays in the local community, benefiting other businesses and people in the area.”
The campaign reinforces Dorset Council’s message to stay local, shop local but adds Dorchester’s own strapline “Shop Local, Shop Safe … Shop Dorch”.
For more information and to keep track of the campaign, please visit the website www.lovedorch.com
Dorchester Chamber for Business is affiliated to Dorset Chamber, one of nine affiliated Chambers across the county.